Our Backyard

My doe is hanging around the yard, real close. She has been doing this now for the last 2 weeks. That leads me to believe she has given birth. We see her often, either through the doors or when we are outside. She and/or her ancestors have been here since I bought this place 14 years ago. My yard is the reason why I purchased this house. The home was in bad shape, but the yard was fantastic!! Filled with wildlife, just like I love it.

Slowly over the years I have been remodeling the house, but the yard is still as wonderful as ever.


















I am not too concerned this year because the weeds are still winning, so I let her in to feed. Plus it encourages her to come close and then Owl can see her. Yes, that is thistle growing next to her. I leave it grow for the goldfinches. They nest in August when the thistle is seeding out and that is what they feed their youngsters.

I am not a typical Gardener. Most of my plants aren't near the house. This is intentionally because until the last remodel phase is finished, I am getting stock growing through out the yard. Then eventually when all my money is spent (house is done), I can move them around and near the house. I am also not a typical gardener because I allow the wildlife to consume the produce...my perennials. I will attempt to keep them at bay with liquid fence until mid-August, and then let it go. I feel the wildlife need it to fatten up for the winter, way more than I want to see the beauty..The difference between needs and wants. This year the doe feeds all she wants since the gardens still don't look their best.



















I took this picture of her through the doors.


This fawn was so little last fall, when I took the picture, that I feel it probably didn't make it through the winter. Notice the doe in the background. It was a dry summer, so a hard winter for the deer. Not enough food to grow fat to survive the winter. They were consuming some really strange stuff this spring. I think they were so hungry they were willing to eat anything green and succulent.

















This buck was bedded down next to one of my gardens last fall. I also took the picture through the doors.

When I get back from my trip, I wouldn't be surprised if this years fawn(s) is up and running with the doe.